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John Henry Ketcham 

(Late a Representative from New York) 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



* 



Fifty-ninth Congress 
Second Session 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
February 24, 1907 



SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
March 2, 1907 



Compiled under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing 



WASHINGTON : : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : : IW 









APR 8 1908 
D. otD. 



s 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

Proceedings in the House of Representatives 5 

Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 5,7 

Memorial addresses — 

Address by Mr. Payne, of New York 11 

Address by Mr. Sherman, of New York 16 

Address by Mr. Goulden, of New York 19 

Address by Mr. Keifer, of Ohio 21 

Address by Mr. Hull, of Iowa 27 

Address by Mr. Parker, of New Jersey 30 

Address by Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York 32 

Address by Mr. Driscoll, of New York 3S 

Address by Mr. Southard, of Ohio 43 

Address by Mr. Parsons, of New York 49 

Address by Mr. Bennet, of New York 51 

Address by Mr. Cannon, of Illinois 53 

Address by Mr. Grosvenor, of Ohio 55 

Address by Mr. Knapp, of New York 56 

Proceedings in the Senate 61 

Address by Mr. Depew, of New York 65 



Death of Representative John H. Ketcham 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE 

Monday, December J, igo6. 

This being the day designated by the Constitution for the 
annual meeting of Congress, the Members of the House of 
Representatives assembled in their Hall for the second session 
of the Fifty-ninth Congress, and at 12 o'clock m. were called 
to order by the Speaker. 

The Rev. Henry X. Couden, D. D., Chaplain of the House, 
1 (ffered the following prayer : 

Eternal God, our heavenly Father, source of all good, our 
hearts instinctively turn to Thee for wisdom, strength, and 
guidance as we thus gather from all sections of our Union here 
under the Dome of its Capitol to conclude the work of the 
Fifty-ninth Congress. We bless Thee for the laws with which 
Thou hast surrounded us, for the intelligence with which Thou 
hast endowed us, for the riches which have come down to us 
out of the past, for the splendid opportunities of the present, 
and for the bright hopes and promises of the future. Grant, 
O most merciful Father, that these, Thy servants may strive 
diligently to conform their resolves and harmonize their enact- 
ments with the laws which Thou hast ordained. 

Let Thy richest blessings descend upon the Speaker of this 
House, that with characteristic zeal, energy, and courage he 
may guide through all its deliberations to the highest and best 
results. 

5 



6 Proceedings in the House 

Illumine from on high the minds of those who sit in judg- 
ment upon the laws enacted by the Congress that their 
decisions may be wise and just. Bless, we beseech 'Thee, the 
President of these United States, liis advisers, and all others in 
authority, that the affairs of state may be wisely administered 
and the laws of the land faithfully executed, that the coordi- 
nate branches of the Government, thus working together and 
working with Thee, may fulfill in larger measure the ideals 
conceived of our fathers in "a government of the people, by 
the people, and for the people," that righteousness, truth, 
justice, peace, and good will may obtain, to the honor and 
glory of Thy holy name. 

The empty seats on the floor of this House remind us of the 
strong-minded, pure-hearted, noble men who occupied them, 
but have been called to the higher life since last we met. We 
thank Thee for their genial presence so long among us, the 
work the> accomplished for State and nation, the sweet 
memory and illustrious examples left behind them. Be very 
near, O God, our Heavenly Father, to the bereaved families. 
Uphold, sustain, and comfort them by the blessed hope of the 
immortality of the soul. 

Impart, we emplore Thee, more of Thyself unto us all, that 
we may become indeed and in truth sons of the living God 
after the similitude of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord and 
Master. Amen 

Mr. Payne. Mr. Speaker, it becomes my sad duty to an- 
nounce the death of the Hon. Johx H. Ketcham, one of the 
oldest Members of the House by length of service. At some 
future day I shall ask the House to set aside a time to pay 
tribute to his memory. At this time I offer the following 
resolution, which I send to the Clerk's desk. 



Proceedings in the House 7 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the 
death of Hon. John H. Kktcham, a Representative from the State of 
New York in seventeen Congresses. 

The resolution was agreed to. 

Resolved, That, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased, this House do now adjourn. 

The resolutions were agreed to. Accordingly, in pursuance 
thereof, the House (at 12 o'clock and 54 minutes) adjourned 
until to-morrow at 12 o'clock noon. 

Saturday, January 26, tqoj. 

Mr. Payne. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the 
adoption of the order which I send to the Clerk's desk. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from New York asks unani- 
mous consent to adopt the order which the Clerk will read. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Ordered, That Sunday, February 24, 1 9. .7. at the conclusion of the 
addresses on the life, character, and public services of Hon. H. C. 
Adams, shall be set apart for memorial addresses on the life, character, and 
public services of Hon. John H. Kktcham, late a Representative from 
the Twenty-first Congressional district of the State of New York. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? 
There was no objection. 

Sunday, February 24., rpoy. 
The 1 1' >use met at to o'clock a. m. 

Prayer by the Chaplain. Rev. Henry X. Couden, I>. D., as 
follows: 

Let nol your heart be troubled: ye believe in Cod. believe 

also in me. 

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, 
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. For 
we know that if your 'earthly house of this tabernacle were 



8 Proceedings in the House * 

dissolved, we have an building of God, a house not made with 

hands, eternal in the heavens. 

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with 
our house which is from heaven: 

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: 
not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that 
mortality might be swallowed up of life. 

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, 
who also hath ;jiven unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, 
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things 
to come. 

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able 
to separate us from the love of Cod, which is in Christ Jesus 
our Lord. 

Eternal God, our heavenly Father, whose heart goes out in 
Ipprobation and love to those who seek to do Thy will and 
thus add to the sum of human happiness, and, departing, leave 
the world a little better that they have lived and wrought. 

We thank Thee for the men whose characters and deeds we 
are here to memorialize, men whose gifts and talents fitted 
them in an eminent degree for the onerous duties laid upon 
them by their fellow-citizens. Let Thy blessing, we beseech 
Thee, be upon this service, that those who shall record their 
tribute of love and respect may inspire those who shall come 
after them to faithful service. 

We thank Thee for the hope of immortality which lifts us in 
our better moments to larger life and nobler deeds, anil which 
bids us look forward to a brighter world beyond the confines of 
earth. Let Thine everlasting arms be about those -who mourn 
the loss of their deal ones, and in Thine own good time bring 



Proceedings in the House 9 

them to dwell together in one of the many mansions prepared 

for those who love the Lord, and Thine be the praise forever. 
Amen. 

Mr. Payne. Mr. Speaker, I call up the resolutions which 
I have sent to the Clerk's desk. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now" suspended, thai 

opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. John II. 
Kktcham, late a Member of this House fromjhe State of New York. 
Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career, the 
House at the conclusion <>t' tile memorial exercises of this day shall 
stand adjourned. 

olved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions t" the 
Senate. 

olved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the 
family of the deceased. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 

Mr. Payne. Mr. Speaker, there were a number of gentle- 
men who desired to take part in these exercises to-day who 
are necessarily absent; but I understand general leave to 
print has already been granted. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore Mr. Knapp). The Chair is 
informed that leave has already been granted. 



Address of Mr. Payne, of New York 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. Payne, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: Johx H. KeTCHAM was born December 21, 
1832, and had nearly reached the age of 74 years at the time of 
his death last November. He was brought up in a very small 
rural community, his father being a general storekeeper and 
farmer. He was from English stock, his ancestors having 
migrated to this country with the Pilgrim Fathers. His edu- 
cation was in the district school and ill the academy, giving 
him in those early days few advantages of education. He had, 
however, the opportunity which falls to a boy on the farm of 
self-education. He passed his boyhood working upon the farm 
by day and studying at night. This gave him a vast amount 
of information and a broad education, which contributed much 
to his success in life. Afterwards he became a fanner, devel- 
oping a marble quarry upon his farm, which brought out his 
unusual capacity for business and genius for success. 

At an early age he became a political leader in his town, 
having been elected supervisor in i^.s,^, before he had attained 
his twenty-first birthday. This office, of 110 mean importance 
and a source of education, was held by Mr. K.KTCIIA.M until 
he was elected to the State senate in 1N57. He was only 25 
years of age at this time, and is said to have been the young- 
est man who ever held this important position. He was 
reelected to this office two years later. 

In the summer of isoj he became interested in raisins; 
troops, and soon raised a regiment, so great was his zeal and 
industry. He was unanimously chosen colonel of this 
ment. which was known as the One hundred and fiftieth 



12 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

New York Infantry Volunteers. He had no previous military 
experience, but by his close study of military affairs he soon 
gained the education and experience which fitted him to become 
a model officer. His regiment took an active part in the battle 
of Gettysburg, and here General Kktciiam was severely 
wounded. Afterwards he joined General Sherman in the 
fame his march to the sea, and was again wounded at Argyle 
Island, in the Savannah River. The surgeon ordered an 
amputation of his leg to save his life, but Colonel Kktciiam 
resisted this, preferring to take his chances of death rather 
than go through life with a single limb. As a result of 
this wound he was not able to return to the Army. I have 
ol ,taiiied from the Office of The Military Secretary a state- 
ment i if his service, which is as follows: 

War Department, 
The Military Secretary's Office. 
Statement of the military service oj Bvt. Maj. Gen. John II. Ketcham, 
formerly colonel One hundred and fiftieth New York Infantry Volun- 
teers, and brigadier-general of volunteers. 

It is shown by the official records ili.it John H. Ketch \m was mustered 
into service October 11. 1862, as colonel of the One hundred ami fiftieth 
New York Infantry Volunteers, to serve three years; that he was present 
with his regiment to Decembei jl, [863, and that on January 31, 1864, in 
addition to the command of his regiment, he was commanding a detach- 
ment of the Third Brigade, hirst Division, Twelfth Army Corps. 

It appears that in January, 1S64, several soldiers on duty in the Depart- 
ment of the -Cumberland were murdered by guerrillas and that a tax was 
levied upon the property of all disloyal citizens living within a circuit of 
[0 miles of the place of the murder, and that the proceeds of the tax were 
divided among the dependent families, if the murdered soldiers. On Feb- 
ruary 16, 1S64, Colonel Ketcham was commended for the manner in 
which he had discharged his portion of the duties in connection with the 
1 1 hi of the tax and was designated to proceed to the State of New 
York with a portion of the money so collected, to be divided between the 
families of two of the soldiers so murdered. The records show that he 
was absent from his regiment on duty on February 29, [864. 

After his return to the regiment he was present with it until October 15, 
1S64, when he received a leave of absence, from which he returned Decem- 
ber 19, 1S64. On December 21, 1.S64, while in command of his regiment, 



Address of Mr. Payne, of New York 13 

he was severely wounded in the thigh in battle near Savannah, Ga. 
A leave of absence for thirty days was granted him January 1 1, 1S65, on 
account of the wound so received, and the leave '>f absence was extended 
for twenty days on surgeon's certificate of disability. 

< in March 2, 1865, he tendered his resignation in letter of that date, in 
which he stated that he had been in the military service for two and one- 
half years to his j;reat pecuniary disadvantage; that he had been elected 
.1 Member of the next Congress, and that he was therefore reluctantly 
compelled to tender his resignation in order that he might in the mean- 
time attend to his family and his business. His resignation was accepted, 
and he was honorably discharged in orders dated March 2, 1865. 

He was brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers December 6, 1864; 
was assigned to duty according to his brevet rank in orders dated January 
12, 1S65, and was brevetted major-general of volunteers March 13, [865, 
both brevets being conferred for gallant and meritorious service during 
the war. 

It is also shown by the records that lie was appointed a brigadier-general 
of volunteers October 23, 1865, to rank from April \ , 1S65; that he ai 
the appointment December 1, 1865; that he resigned December 2, [865, 
and that his resignation was accepted in orders dated December 5, 1N65, 
to take effect December 2, 1S65. 

In connection with the recommendations for his appointment as briga- 
dier-general of volunteers numerous favorable and highly commendatory 
statements relative to hi- military services were made by his commanding 
officers. On August 7, [863, Brig. Gen. Henry H. Lockwood stated as 

|i ill'iW s 

"Col..nel KeTCHAM served in my brigade at the battle before Gettys- 
burg with great credit. He was conspicuous for gallantry and good con- 
duct and handled his regiment with skill and ability." 

On September 1. 1863, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck referred to the 
service of Colonel KETCHAM in the following language: 

"He was in my command for six months befoi tnsferred with 

his regiment to the Army of the Potomac, and all the while under my 
immediate observation, and in every respect, in all the relations of an 
officer and gentleman, he proved himself possessed of qualities entitling 
him to confidence and esteem." 

t >n September 2'). [863, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, commanding the 
First Division, Twelfth Army Corps, stated as follows: 

"Colonel Ketcham has been under my command from the battle of 
Gettysburg, inclusive, to this time-. He is an energetic, faithful, and capa 
hie officei Ills attention to his duties is marked by superior judgment 
and professional know 

Under date November^ to, 1863, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, commanding 
the Twelfth Corps. Army of the Cumberland, stated tint l 

SAW was under his command at the battle of Gettysburg when the 



14 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

regiment, although comparatively new, did excellent service and was 
handled by Colonel KETCHAM with much skill. General Slocum also 
stated that on all occasions since joining the corps Colonel KETCHAM 
had given evidence of possessing those traits of character most necessary 
to success as a military man. 

On November 3, 1864, Colonel Ketcham was recommended by Maj. 
Gen. George H. Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumber- 
land, for appointment as brevet brigadier-general of volunteers. In sub- 
mitting the recommendation General Thomas stated that it was made 
because of gallant and faithful service in the field in the campaign against 
Atlanta, a campaign as unprecedented as it was brilliant ; that his service 
entitled him to honorable recognition by the Government, for whose main- 
tenance he dared and accomplished so much. General Thomas stated 
further that the recommendation was made because of the officer's effi- 
ciency in command of his regiment, his uniform gallantry in all the battles 
of the campaign, and his soldierly qualities, evinced both in the discipline 
of his command and in the ready and prompt manner in which he had 
always performed his duty. 

By authority of the Secretary of War : 

I'. L. AlNSWORTH, 

The Military Secretary. 

While General Kktcham was still at the front with General 
Sherman, he was nominated and elected to the Thirty-eighth 
Congress. He served at this time five consecutive terms, but 
was beaten for the Forty-third Congress, in 1873, during the 
Greeley campaign. The contest between himself and Hon. 
John K. Whitehouse was a memorable one, which has not been 
forgotten throughout the Empire State. General Ketcham 
was then appointed a Commissioner of the District of Columbia 
by President Grant, and in this office accomplished some of the 
most important work of his life. He brought to the office his 
wonderful and untiring industry and business tact. He was a 
real friend of the District and his administration was heartily 
approved by the leading citizens of Washington. At the end 
of four years he resigned, having been elected to the Forty-fifth 
Congress. He held office for nine successive terms and de- 
clined a nomination for the Fifty-third Congress. Subsequently 
he returned to the Fifty-sixth Congress and had served con- 



Address of Mr. Payne, of New York 15 

tinuously since. Although his service was not continuous, he 
was here for thirty-four years, probably the longest service of 
any man who had ever been a Member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. 

I met some of his constituents at Saratoga in October last, 
who told me that the "old General" was confined to his bed 
and would probably die ; but they said the convention would 
meet in his district the following week and, if there was a breath 
of life in his body, they would renominate him by acclamation. 
They showed an honest, heartfelt pride in this act of loyalty 
and devotion to one who had been so long their chief. He 
was renominated, but died on the first Sunday in November, 
two days before election. 

General Ketcham was a generous, warm-hearted, liberal 
man. He would go further to do a favor for a friend than any 
other man whom I have ever known. He was loyal and 
devoted to his own party, but generous and kind to those who 
opposed him. Frequently the opposition made no nomination 
against him. Often it was said that both party conventions 
contained only the loyal and devoted friends of General 
Ketcham. He had good common sense, business sagacity. 
and prudence. He was a quiet man. who never took the time 
of the House in debate, but whose advice and opinions were 
sound. ( 

He was married in 1858 to Augusta Belden, to whom four 
children were born, three of whom, with his widow, now sur- 
vive the General. 

He had a warm place in the affections of all the people of 
his district, and his loss was greatly mourned. He had many 
friends on both sides of this Chamber, especially among those 
who had served with him long and knew him well. He left 
behind him the record of a long, busy, useful, and marvelously 
successful life. 



16 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 



Address of Mr. Sherman, of New York 

Mr. Speakek : To l>ear the burden of years cheerfully, 
patiently, resignedly, and uncomplainingly is a crown of glory 
of its own. When a man nears the goal of threescore and ten, 
he must, perforce, stop to think of that which lies beyond ; 
take stock of what life has brought to him and ponder on 
what is to come. 

To some this brings sorrow and grief; the parting seems all 
ton near. To others it brings profound joy, because of phys- 
ical or mental ailments, or because of a deep and abiding faith 
it seems useless or painful to tarry longer here. But he who 
approaches the mysterious change calmly, bravely, and cheer- 
fully, whose physique and well-spent life enable him to con- 
tinue those habits of industry acquired in days gone by ; to 
meet his friends and associates each day as genially and as 
pleasantly as, when a youth, life was full of promise; to fear 
neither the presence of the messenger of death nor seek a 
nearer acquaintance with him — such an one is to be admired 
and beloved and must necessarily attract his younger associates 
as an example when their burden grows heavier year by year 
and the end of the struggle, perhaps not yet in sight, still 
reposes just a littk wa\ over j-onder hill. 

Let us not forget this lesson and this example when to-day 
we pay tribute to the memory of our beloved colleague. John 
H. KETCHAM. In him were found these qualities to a singular 
degree. He was a valiant warrior. Death nor life possessed 
tenor for him. During all his years he had faced every situa- 
tion as it arose. To meet it, to encounter it. to triumph over 
it was his custom and his delight. Through poverty to distin- 



Address of Mr. Sherman, of New York 17 

guished honors he progressed, steadily and unchanged. His 
kindly, genial manner never forsook him. His industry never 
tired. His faithfulness to private or public trust went unchal- 
lenged. His big heart, filled to the brim with human kind- 
ness, withered not. His patriotism and love of country 
responded to the call to arms and his spurs were won on the 
field of battle, simply to be laid away as mementos of duty done 
and not as evidence for self-exaltation or as souvenirs to 
humiliate a vanquished foe. 

At his home, as a neighbor and a friend, he was a father 
to the young, an elder brother to the middle-aged, and a 
companion and comforter to those who had longest known 
him. In his district he was a champion to whom all appealed, 
irrespective of party, and no appeal went unanswered. Iu 
this Hall he performed service worthy of his country and 
himself, and at the same time gave to us all an inspiration 
that the pathway toward the valley was not one to be trod 
in fear or loneliness. 

Now that he has departed we miss him much. We sorrow 
because we shall never more meet and greet him, but we 
more than ever appreciate and realize what he was to us, 
what this House and his district suffers in his loss. Honest, 
faithful, true, and loyal, he was a pillar of strength to be 
counted upon iu calm or storm. 

It were needless to speak in detail of General Ketciiam's 
work. The records of his thirty-four years of service in 
Congress will carry these details down to posterity. It were 
useless to tell of his achievements for his district. No man 
lives there but can tell of them. It were waste of time to 
recount his heroic deeds during three long years of weary 
inarching, bloody battles, and starvation camps in the civil 
II. Doc. 811, 59-2 2* 



[8 Memorial Addresses: fnlm Henry Ketcham 

war, for in the archives of the great granite building at the 
utlier end of the avenue they rest secure, to be read and 
admired by his children's children. In every position which 
he occupied General Ketcham made a record. He placed 
himself squarely and clearly on every proposition, and now 
that he is gone that record, like his memory, lives to stimu- 
late and to beckon us onward to nobler aspirations and 
higher ambitions. 

I can not better close my weak tribute to our departed friend 
than by reading the following in eulogy of him from the 
Hudson i N. V. ) Republican: 

('■in. John H. KETCH \m was of the old sohool. He learned his politics 
from the old masters. ( »ver fifty years of public service have brought him 
to his grave with an unsullied name. Sincere in his ways and honest in 
his methods, he stands out like the fir tree in the forest. What hosts of 
men have gone to Congress since he first went, climbed to the to]., and 
have fallen and are forgotten ! What reputations made and ruined since 
John H. KETCHAM was fust elected'. What a list of investigations which 
have retired hundreds to private life can be remembered; but the man 
never lived who ever called this dead citizen to an accounting. He stood 
straigh! and clean through the heat of his many campaigns and through 
all the scrutiny of public officials. Simple in his ways of living, unaf- 
fected in his demeanor toward others, always approachable, his relations 
to his people were peculiarly personal and his affection for them sincere 
ami deep rooted. He loved best t,, be busy for others. And this wis no 
one-sided friendship. As he looked to them, they turned to him. Party 
lines were broken. Many times he ran without opposition. His death is 
no occasion for his own party to claim a monopoly of mourning. As In- 
stood for and by his people when alive, now with sad hearts they think of 
him called to the great beyond. His was a unique life, born of a unique 
character. There maj have been nien more brilliant, there may have 
tnen more eloquent, but the House of Representatives lias never 
held a more unselfish, painstaking, earnest, honest statesman than he 
whom we miss to-day. His power in Washington was tremendous; where 
Senators failed be succeeded. Gentle, but persistent, he accomplished 
wonders. Men high in the councils of the nation looked on him 
with amazement, and many a millionaire statesman with all his money 
envied the reputation of this honest gentleman. Such was he whom 
we now so mourn. We shall have to go on without him, but the life 
that teaches these lessons of sturdy honesty and persistent unselfishness 
has done i deal for all mankind. 



Address of Mr. Gou/den, of New York 



Address of Mr. Goulden, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: It is always a sad duty to pay tribute to a 
friend who has gone to his reward. The great number of the 
Members of this body for the past thirty-odd years knew the 
manly form and the genial greetings of the late Gen. John 
Henry Ketciiam. For more than fifty years he had ably 
and loyally served his country in various capacities, first as 
supervisor of his town, then as a member of both houses of the 
New York State legislature, followed by active service in the 
Union Army as colonel of the One hundred and fiftieth New 
York Infantry, then as brigadier and major general of volun- 
teers; he was a Commissioner of the District of Columbia, 
and a Representative in Congress from 1865 to the day of his 
death, and, with the exception of eight years, was a useful and 
distinguished Member of this body, serving faithfully for a 
period of thirty-four years. 

This briefly is the history of one of America's noblest sons. 
His record in private as well as in his official life was an hon- 
orable one. Perhaps the best test to apply to life's achieve- 
ments is the opinion in which the individual is held by his 
friends and neighbors. 

General Ketcham was born, lived, and was buried from the 
old home at Dover Plains, in Dutchess County, X- Y. To those 
of his colleagues who attended the funeral on the ;th day of 
November last the sight witnessed will never lie forgotten, when 
hundreds of his old-time friends, neighbors, and comrades 
took their last fund look at the face of him who lay quieth 
sleeping in the parlors of his beloved old home. Tears were in 



20 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

many eves, and the simple but impressive service of two of his 
former comrades in arms, chaplains of his old regiment, was 
indeed a memorable scene, never to be forgotten. 

A-- an old comrade, as well as a Representative of a near-by 

district, it was my privilege during the past four years to see 

much of our late colleague. He had a delightful personality 

that charmed all who met him. To know him was to love him. 

Others who knew him better will tell of his grand and. glorious 

life, full of good deeds, of loving kindness, and of patriotic 

achievements. His lift- was that of a typical American citizen, 

replete with splendid results and full of encouragement and 

hope to the young men of the nation. H t exemplified in his life 

the golden rule. " Do unto others as ye would that they do unto 

you," thus making and retaining as friend-, all whom he met. 

< If him it could truly he -aid: 

His lift- was gentle, and the elements 

S<> mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up 

Ami sav t<> all the world. "This was a man." 



Address of Mr. Keifer, of Ohio 



Address of Mr. Keifer, of Ohio 

' Mr. Speaker: I appear here to-day to bear my testimony 
on the life and character of John Henry Ketch am. of the 
Twenty-first district of the State of New York. He was my 
comrade in the great civil war and a distinguished Member of 
this House during all my service therein, and he was always 
my personal friend. I met him here first in the Forty-fifth 
Congress and served continuously with him for four terms; 
then, after an interval of twenty years, I returned and found 
him here to greet me in his always gentle-spirited manner. Ik- 
was a constant and lovable friend, and he was guided in all 
public, private, and personal relations by duty and lofty prin- 
ciples. He was a patriot in war and in peace. He loved his 
country and his fellow-men. 

John H. Ketcham was my senior more than three years. 
He served with distinction in the civil war about two and one- 
half years, holding the rank of colonel, brevet brigadier- 
general, and brevet major-general of volunteers. Prior to his 
service in the civil war he had served a term as assemblyman 
and a term as senator of the State of New York. He left the 
Army in March, 1865, to enter the Thirty-ninth Congress, to 
which he was elected in 1864, and he served here for four suc- 
cessive terms 1 eight years), ending March, 1873. He was 
Commissioner of the District of Columbia for nearly three 
years, from July 3, 1S74, to June 30, 1877, when he resigned, 
having teen elected ( 1876) to the Forty-fifth Congress, and he 
then served for eight consecutive terms, ending March, [893, 
when he retired voluntarily on account of ill health. He was, 



22 Memorial Addresses: //>//// Henry Ketcham 

in [896, elected to the Fifty-fifth Congress, and successively 
for four more terms, including the present (Fifty-ninth) Con- 
gress, and but for his death ( November 4, 1906) he would have 
been elected to the Sixtieth. He has the singular distinction 
of having been elected to and having served in the House of 
Representatives of the United States seventeen Congresses. I 
do not recall any Member who served so long — nearly thirty- 
four years, covering a period of about forty-two years from the 
time he first became a Member of this House. This testifies 
of itself to his high character as a statesman and to his integ- 
rity. He was a Republican, but not a partisan in the sense 
that he was not in touch with all the people of his district- He 
commanded their confidence, regardless of party, and he always 
proved himself worthy of it. In all the years of his public 
life no suspicion of dishonesty was breathed against him. 
With a constituency of exceptional intelligence, energy, and 
spirit always constant to him we are sure he was a man of 
integrity and of no ordinary capacity. Such a constituency 
did not err in its estimate of their Representative here. A 
final test of tile true merits of a man, both in public or private 
life, is found in the estimate his neighbors make of him. The 
public press may speak evil of a man and strangers may judge 
him erroneously by what they hear of him or of his acts, yet 
the word of mouth reputation given him by the people with 
whom he lives, his neighbors, who know him in his daily life 
is always right. 

The life and public services of the man in whose honor we 
meet to-day cover a period in our country's history — indeed, 
in the history of the civilized world — that is rich and great 
in important events, marking the progress of civilization and 
tin- more universal recognition of the rights and liberties of 



Address of Mr. Keifer, of Ohio 23 

man. It required more to constitute true greatness in the 
period in which he lived than in any antecedent like period. 
General Ketcham's military sen-ice was signally marked by 
gallantry and uniform brilliancy. He did not hold at any time 
high command, and perhaps he did not aspire to attain to 
the important rank of a great commander, contenting himself 
with the command of a regiment or brigade. In doing this he 
won honors too often overlooked. Such service is necessarily 
performed by many in a large army and during a great war. 
Only a few can attain, in even a long and bloody war, to the 
first rank with high command in the field. Those who attain 
such rank and command are generally awarded praise and 
renown impossible to be earned or achieved save through the 
successful gallantry on the field of their subordinates. When a 
great campaign has been successfully terminated or an impor- 
tant battle has been won, naturally the commanding officer is 
given all the first credit, but no great commander in the Army 
or Navy has ever achieved success save through the skill, 
gallantry, and bravery of those of all ranks and conditions 
under him. A captain of a company never became distinguished 
as such unless his lieutenants, noncommissioned officers, and 
private soldiers were also skillful, gallant, and brave. A colo- 
nel of a regiment must, likewise, to acquire distinction, have 
skillful, gallant, and brave officers and soldiers under him. 
An army to be reliably efficient must be and act as a unit 
throughout its entire organization. Alexander the Great, the 
Macedonian Greek, Hannibal of Carthage, Caesar, the most 
successful leader of the Roman legions, Bonaparte, in his long 
successful wars against the combined despotisms of Kurope, 
would each have failed to acquire immortal fame but for their 
capable captains. So as to all other war chieftains who have 
won like fame in campaigns and battles. Indeed, it often has 



24 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

turned out that the glory of a battle which clusters around and 
clings to the successful general rests upon the valor of subordi- 
nates whose lives are sacrificed. The glory of Napoleon at 
Marengo, in Italy, which enabled him to wear the iron crown 
of Charlemagne, was won for him after he had suffered disaster 
and defeat on the same field by the heroism of Desaix, who 
gave up his own life to secure a victory. The pages of history 
are illumined with like or similar striking examples. 

It is sufficient to say that General Ketcham is entitled to 
share in the honor and glory which belongs to his comrades in 
the greatest and most sanguinary war of the ages, measured 
by its bloody character and by the results secured in the 
interest of human rights and in the upbuilding of civilization 
throughout the world. He should be awarded a due meed of 
praise for well-performed duty in that war. He has passed 
over to join the great majority of his war comrades, whom he 
loved and who loved him. 

But our dead colleague here was only a soldier in war; he 
was, in all his natural instincts, a man of peace. His inspira- 
tion for war was only that of duty, when his country and its 
institutions were imperiled. Peace and peaceable pursuits 
commanded his highest ambition, and to them he devoted his 
best energies, duty again being his inspiration. He was not 
ostentatious in anything he undertook, but he had a commend- 
able pride to do all things well. His embarrassment on account 
of a defective hearing for many years would have been enough 
to have disheartened and totally disabled an ordinary man, 
especially for the performance of the onerous duties of a Rep- 
resentative in this House. With "ear sequestrate" he had 
not a "tuneless tongue." His voice was raised here on proper 
occa ions, though no idle words fell from his lips. In the 
period marked by his entry ( 1865 ) into Congress and his death, 



Address of Mr. Keifer, of Ohio 25 

over forty years, a generation of people died and another was 
born. But few remain of those with whom he served in the 
early part of his service here. They have passed beyond. 
What a galaxy of great men they were! They, with him, did 
not fear to grapple with the momentous political and national 
questions that presented themselves. Courage in dealing with 
fundamental political and high moral questions was essential 
to success, and this they did not lack. 

They were too near to the awful baptism of war to be swayed 
from the performance of duties enjoined by the plainest pro- 
visions of the Constitution and essential to the maintenance of 
the fundamental principles of equality of citizenship through- 
out the Union of the Stales. They were not imbued with the 
hope or belief that wrong or digression from sound political 
maxims will in time correct evil tendencies. Wrong is always 
both aggressive and progressive. Xor were these earlier great 
statesmen lulled into feelings of security by an universal mate- 
rial prosperity growing up around them. The direst danger is 
always to be apprehended to the rights and liberties of mankind, 
indeed to civilization, if not to Christianity, when people are 
pampered with general material prosperity. At such a time 
high duties are forgotten and a false security takes their place. 
Moral degradation comes more generally from universal pros- 
perity of a people than from times when the masses of the 
people are so poor that they are compelled to practice economy 
in domestic and public affairs. They then grow critically jeal- 
ous of all rights, political as well as personal. 

What millionaire stops to warn the people of the danger of 
losing a political or personal right essential to be maintained to 
preserve their just share of liberty? 

Mr. Ketcham went on here and elsewhere in the even tenor 
of his way, never deviating from a settled ingrained conviction 



26 Memorial Addresses: John Henry K^etcham 

that there were certain essential and elemental principles that 
changed conditions or even time, that destroyer of almost all 
things, can not and should not do away with. He loved his 
country, its Constitution and free institutions. He was a 
friend to the lowly and he bowed the suppliant knee to none 
save his Creator. He was in life respected and trusted by his 
neighbors and associates regardless of political party, and they 
were ready when death claimed him to honor him with an elec- 
tion for the eighteenth time to a seat in this Hall. He died at 
peace with his fellow-men. He was a typical citizen of this 
Republic, an heroic volunteer soldier in war, a distinguished 
statesman in his State and national legislatures. His life was 
rich in deeds of good, and he did not live in vain. 

Champion of right, 

Thy spirit will return to join the strife no more. 

Rest, citizen, statesman, rest; thy troubled life is o'er. 



Address <>/ Mr. Hull, of Iowa 27 



Address of Mr. Hull, of Iowa 

Mr. Speaker: I had not the privilege of knowing General 
Kktcham in his earlier life, and were it not for the close per- 
sonal association with him during- the past eight years I would 
not attempt to add to what has been so well said by those who 
have known him in his home and those who are to follow who 
are familiar with his whole life. 

My first acquaintance with General Kktcham began as a 
Member of the Fifty-fifth Congress. In the Fifty-sixth Con- 
gress he was assigned to the same committee that I have the 
honor to be chairman of. and for almost eight years he sat at 
my right, ready at all times with his counsel and advice, taking 
no active part in the debate that came before us, or in fact in 
the debates in the House, but always thoroughly informed as to 
every measure we decided upon, and always thoroughly right, 
except when an appeal was made to his great heart, when he 
would sometimes admit that he would rather be wrong for a 
friend, where no principle was involved, than to be right and 
disappoint his friend. 

Theseeight years of close association with General K.ETCHAM 
fully justified in my mind the marvelous hold he had upon the 
people who have known him all his life and who started him 
UpOD his career, as has been said, before lie was 2\ years of age 
and has kept him in the service of the people almost continu- 
ously tor all the years since that time. I know of 110 other who 
could so patiently bear and so manfully overcome the handicap 
of almost total deafness. 

Going up from the smaller office of the township through 
the office of representative and State senator, the colonel of a 



2<S Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

New York regiment by the time he was 30 years old, a brig- 
adier-general while still in the prime of his young manhood, a 
major-general of volunteers, and while wearing the uniform 
of his country commissioned by his people to serve in the Con- 
gress of the United States, and recommissioned from that time 
on, with but brief intervals of service, until the angel of death 
touched him and he slept. A marvelous record that can only 
lie accounted for by the marvelous qualities of the man. 

I was impressed with the serene courage with which Gen- 
eral Ketcham met his approaching death. Shortly after lie 
was stricken, here in the city of Washington, with paralysis 
I called ami spent the evening with him. He spoke about 
his situation and the question as to whether he would ever 
again assume his duties. He referred to the advice that was 
given him to go back to his home in New York. He said 
he answered: "I can meet my fate here as well as at home, 
and I want, if possible, when I get home to my constituents 
to shake them by the hand. If I can not do that, I can go 
back silent," or, as he expressed it, "in a box." Conscious 
of a well-spent life he serenely awaited the summons to 
appear before the great Judge. 

He endeared himself to all of his associates upon my com- 
mittee, and he endeared himself to all of his associates in the 
House. It has been well said that he was a Republican, but 
not a partisan, ami I can testify from my association with 
him that when he could do a favor to any Member of this 
House the question of the Member's party affiliation was 
never involved. It was the kindly, generous spirit of the 
man reaching out to help his fellow-man. 

His record is a part of the history of our country. As 
has been said, in civil life and in military life it forms a part 
of the great history of the Republic, and it is of such a 



Address of Mr. Hull, of Iowa 29 

character that not only his friends but his widow and his 
children can glory in the fact that they had him with them 
so long. Ripe in years and rich in experience he laid down 
the mantle of life without any dishonor being attached to 
any part of his past, with all who knew him saying from 
their hearts, "Well done, good and faithful sen-ant;" and to 
him as a man. soldier, and statesman, patriot, and friend, 
"All hail, farewell." 



32 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: To-day we revere the memory of a remark- 
able man. Not one, perhaps, who had challenged the attention 
of the world by extraordinary talents and by brilliant achieve- 
ments, but one, indeed, who had so ingrained himself into the 
affections of his people and had lived such an honorable and 
upright life and had manifested such extraordinary capacity 
for public life that for nearly fifty years he had been the chosen 
representative of his friends and neighbors in important places 
of honor and of trust. 

Ioiix H. Ketcham was born at Dover Plains, X. Y., on 
December 21, [832, within a short distance of the home he 
occupied at his death. His entire life, excepting the time when 
111 the performance of public duties his presence was elsewhere 
demanded, was spent in the one locality. Descended from old 
English stock, his ancestors are traced back to the Pilgrim 
Fathers. His father settled in what was then known as the 
Harlem Valley, and was engaged in business as the keeper of 
a general store. The time of the son not spent in the district 
school was usefully occupied about the store and on his father's 
farm. He also attended a seminary of considerable renown in 
those days at Amenia, and subsequently attended for one term 
the Sufneld Academy, at Suffield, Conn., and the Worcester 
Seminary in Massachusetts. 

With an elder brother he early acquired a farm, which they 
worked together, and in time they developed into an important 
industry a marble quarry which was located on the farm. 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York \ 33 

Before he reached his twenty-first year John H. Ketciia.m 
was chosen a supervisor, and so satisfactory were his sen-ices 
that he was reelected in 1854. 

At that early age the characteristics which ever distinguished 
him, and which accounted largely for his remarkable career, 
were quite pronounced. He was a man of sterling integrity, 
of untiring industry, and of unfaltering persistency. No obsta- 
cle ever deterred him in the accomplishment of a determined 
purpose. Being a keen observer, gifted with accurate judg- 
ment, his experience in the country store had given him a wide 
acquaintanceship throughout his own and adjacent counties, 
and enabled him to form quickly correct estimates of men. 

While still a member of the board of supervisors he was 
chosen to the State legislature, and in 1857, at tue a S e °f 2 5> 
he was elected to the State senate, in which body he served 
several terms. 

Upon the second call for volunteers by President Lincoln, 
John H. Ketcham was appointed by Governor Morgan a 
member of the war committee for Dutchess and Columbia coun- 
ties. With his characteristic zeal and energy he set out to 
recruit the requisite number of men from the two counties. 
His wide acquaintanceship and his high standing naturally 
attracted to his aid the most desirable of the eligible men. 
When a regiment, designated as the One hundred and fiftieth 
New York Volunteer Infantry, was raised, he was chosen its 
colonel. With the same persistence and industry that had 
marked his efforts to raise the regiment he devoted himself to 
the study of military science and tactics, so that he might be of 
as much aid as possible in preparing his men for their task and 
be prepared for the duties of the place to which he had been 
chosen. 

H. Doc. 81 1, 59-2 3* 



Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: To-day we revere the memory of a remark- 
able man. Not one, perhaps, who had challenged the attention 
of the world by extraordinary talents and by brilliant achieve- 
ments, but one, indeed, who had so ingrained himself into the 
affections of his people and had lived such an honorable and 
upright life and had manifested such extraordinary capacity 
for public life that for nearly fifty years he had been the chosen 
representative of his friends and neighbors in important places 
of honor and of trust. 

John H. Ketcham was born at Dover Plains. X. Y., on 
December 21, 1832, within a short distance of the home he 
occupied at his death. His entire life, excepting the time when 
in the performance of public duties his presence was elsewhere 
demanded, was spent in the one locality. Descended from old 
English stock, his ancestors are traced back to the Pilgrim 
Fathers. His father settled in what was then known as the 
Harlem Valley, and was engaged in business as the keeper of 
a general store. The time of the son not spent in the district 
school was usefully occupied about the store and on his father's 
farm. He also attended a seminary of considerable renown in 
those days at Amenia, and subsequently attended for one term 
the Suffield Academy, at Suffield, Conn., and the Worcester 
Seminary in Massachusetts. 

With an elder brother he early acquired a farm, which they 
worked together, and in time they developed into an important 
industry a marble quarry which was located on the farm. 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York \ 33 

Before he reached his twenty-first year John H. Ketcham 
was chosen a supervisor, and so satisfactory were his sen-ices 
that he was reelected in 1854. 

At that early age the characteristics which ever distinguished 
him, and which accounted largely for his remarkable career, 
were quite pronounced. He was a man of sterling integrity, 
of untiring industry, and of unfaltering persistency. No obsta- 
cle ever deterred him in the accomplishment of a determined 
purpose. Being a keen observer, gifted with accurate judg- 
ment, his experience in the country store had given him a wide- 
acquaintanceship throughout his own and adjacent counties, 
and enabled him to form quickly correct estimates of men. 

While still a member of the board of supervisors he was 
chosen to the State legislature, and in 1857, a t the age of 25, 
he was elected to the State senate, in which body he served 
several terms. 

Upon the second call for volunteers by President Lincoln. 
John H. Ketcham was appointed by Governor Morgan a 
member of the war committee for Dutchess and Columbia coun- 
ties. With his characteristic zeal and energy he set out to 
recruit the requisite number of men from the two counties. 
His wide acquaintanceship and his high standing naturally- 
attracted to his aid the most desirable of the eligible men. 
When a regiment, designated as the One hundred and fiftieth 
Xew York Volunteer Infantry, was raised, he was chosen its 
colonel. Witli the same persistence and industry that had 
marked his efforts to raise the regiment he devoted himself to 
the study of military science and tactics, so that he might be of 
as much aid as possible in preparing his men for their task and 
be prepared for the duties of the place to which he had been 
chosen . 

H. Doc. 811, 59-2 3* 



54 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

I shall not attempt, Mr. Speaker, to trace his military career 
in detail. It will suffice for me to say that for conspicuous 
gallantry he was brevetted a brigadier-general and subsequently 
a major-general. He was at Gettysburg, and accompanied 
Sherman on his march to the sea, and during that march he 
received a serious wound, from the effects of which he never 
fully recovered. 

While at the front with his regiment of home folks those at 
home did not forget him. In 1863 he was nominated and 
elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress. He was reelected to the 
Fortieth, Forty-first, and Forty-second Congresses. In 1872, 
in a contest memorable in the history of New York, he met his 
only defeat in a political contest, being defeated for Congress 
by the Hon. John O. Whitehouse. 

General Ketcham was then appointed a Commissioner of the 
District of Columbia by President Grant. His associates were 
William Dennison, formerly governor of Ohio, and the Hon. 
Henry T. Blow, of Missouri. For four years he served on the 
Commission. With their wide experience and marvelous pre- 
science these men pictured an ideal city in its physical propor- 
tions at least, and with energy and vigor initiated a series of 
public improvements that were destined to have a marked effect 
upon the growth and improvement of the city. Streets were 
opened, extended, and asphalted, small parks were created, 
facilities of various kinds were provided for those residing in 
the city, and a new Washington, ordained in the fullness of 
time to be the ideal of the dreams of General Ketcham and his 
associates, was begun. 

As is not unusual, many were found to criticise the policy 
followed, and to condemn the many public improvements initi- 
ated, but time has amply and fully justified the propriety as 
well as the wisdom of their actions, and General KETCHAM 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York 35 

lived to enjoy the comforts that followed the completion of the 
projects he initiated. 

General Ketcham was reelected to the Forty-fifth, Forty- 
sixth, Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty- 
first, and Fifty-second Congresses, and then, owing to impaired 
health, he declined a renomination tendered by his party. In 
1895 he returned, being elected to the Fifty-fifth Congress, and 
he was thereafter reelected to the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, 
Fifty-eighth, and Fifty-ninth Congresses, and but for his death 
a short time before the recent election he would have been 
reelected to the Sixtieth Congress. 

He served in this House within a few months of thirty-four 
years. It is difficult to comprehend a service of such length, 
Mr. Speaker, but it is brought home keenly to me when I realize 
that the length of his service here is practically measured by 
the years of my own entire life. 

While his service was not continuous, yet it was in periods 
sufficiently long .to enable his constituents to reap the benefits 
that come alone from long and continuous service. 

My acquaintance with General KETCHAM dates from the 
Fifty-sixth Congress, when I commenced my service here. I 
shall make no other reference to my association with him, Mr 
Speaker, than to say that I have ever remembered with grate- 
fulness that he was one of those who were particularlv kind to 
me in those early days. I learned to know him and to love 
him, and I frequently sought his help and advice, knowing 
always that his generous and kindly nature would respond to 
every reasonable request. His wide knowledge of men and of 
the world was of immense value in determining many questions 
that perplex young men in the beginning in this body. 

In politics General KETCHAM was a Republican. He was a 
consistent party man. He believed in his party organization.. 



36 Memorial Addresses: fohn Henry Ketcham 

While he may at times have held views on public questions not 
quite in accord with the majority of his party, still he was of 
that older, and, unfortunately, now less numerous school of 
public men who readily subordinated their own opinions to the 
consensus of opinion of their associates upon all political ques- 
tions which did not involve fundamental principles or matters 
of conscience. 

Few in this House who made the acquaintance of General 
Ketcham in his later years appreciated him fully. To under- 
stand thoroughly this somewhat quaint figure of recent years 
it would be necessary to visit the district which he represented 
and hear his people speak of him. Nineteen times he was 
nominated by his party for Congress, and so great was his hold 
upon the entire people and so highly was he esteemed that it 
was frequently believed that were it not for the anomalous con- 
dition that would have resulted from such action he could 
readily have been nominated by his political opponents. 

This was due almost entirely to his desire tq serve his people 
faithfully and efficiently, regardless of political affiliations. To 
the last his habits of industry never changed. His was a 
familiar figure in all of the Departments of the Government in 
his numerous quests to aid some humble constituent; and main- 
are the stories told to illustrate the tenacity and persistence 
that eventually brought success to his efforts. 

Such men as General Ketcham play a much larger and more 
important part in the affairs of life than the majority of men 
realize. The really great men are not so much those who 
acquire enormous wealth or who dazzle the world with the bril- 
liancy of their achievements or who enrich the sciences by val- 
uable contributions to the mass of useful information already 
possessed by the rest of mankind; the really great men are 
those who perform the duties of their place in life, however 



Address of Mr. Fitzgerald, of New York 37 

exalted or humble it may be, in the most thorough, faithful, 
and perfect manner possible. Measured by such a standard. 
General Ketcham was a really great man, as he was a noble 
and a gentle man. 

He being survived by a widow and three children, their hearts 
are lightened by the knowledge that he was a loving husband, 
a devoted father, a faithful public servant, a brave soldier, and 
a patriotic citizen, and a kind and a considerate man, who had 
helped many in the dark hour of their travail, because he was 
animated by lofty and noble motives; and that he is lovingly 
enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him. 



38 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 



Address of Mr. Driscoll, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: As we gather around the figurative bier of 
cur late and lamented friend and colleague, I beg leave to pay 
my humble tribute of respect to his memory, to express m\ 
high esteem of his ability as a legislator, and to record my 
appreciation of the many noble qualities of mind and heart 
which were personified in him and combined in his amiable, 
rugged, honest, and manly character. Those who had the 
good fortune of his more intimate acquaintance, and especially 
during the younger years of his active life, are qualified to pro- 
duce a more complete and accurate pen portrait of his very 
interesting personality, while I can give only my estimate 
of him, formed during our common service in this House. 

< hie of the first men I met on entering the House was General 
Ketcham. f had heard something of his long and successful 
career in public life and in the business and military affairs of 
the country, and I was desirous, if not anxious, to make his 
acquaintance. 

He entered public life as a young man and had represented 
his town, his assembly district, and his senatorial district in our 
Stale. He had won fame and distinction in the civil war. 
During several years he had been Commissioner of the District 
of Columbia, and was then the dean of the great New York 
delegation in the House of Representatives. He was not a 
distinguished debater, orator, or writer. He was not gifted 
with those rare mental powers and attainments by which some 
men charm and captivate their audiences and command follow- 
ing by the sheer force of their intellect and magnetic suprem- 



Address of Mr. Driscoll, of New York 39 

acy, nor was he a profound scholar or expert in any field of the 
nation's great activities or enterprises. Therefore I was, to 
put it mildly, very curious to make his personal acquaintance 
and determine for myself what manner of man this was who 
had accomplished so much, who had behind him such a varied 
and successful career, who had for so many years maintained 
his leadership and had practically eliminated all opposition in 
his Congressional district, and who had tied to him his friends 
and constituents as with bonds of tempered steel. 

Well, I met an elderly man of medium height, inclined to 
corpulency, and quite stooped. His hair — what was left of it — 
was gray, his face was wrinkled, his smile was pleasant, and 
his handshake hearty and below the belt. His kindly express- 
ive eyes betrayed an approach to a wink or knowing glance, 
which I have since interpreted to mean about thi>: 

Young man, I am glad to meet yon, but don't know as I want to con- 
gratulate you. You may feel pretty big now, but you will feel smaller by 
and by. You have much to learn, and some things to unlearn. But go 
ahead. I have no time for idle talk, but if you need me, I am your friend. 

His manner was abrupt and informal, but very courteous, 
and without the least sign of condescension. It is quite an art 
for a senior in the service to meet a freshman on the level and 
without giving any suggestion of a patronizing spirit. With 
him it was neither an art nor an accomplishment, but the ordi- 
nary manifestation of his warm heart and democratic manner. 
He was modest and unassuming at all times and under all cir- 
cumstances — a plain matter-of-fact practical man — not the least 
affected or puffed up by the honors which had been showered 
upon him. 

The first impression he made on me was agreeable, and it 
grew better with years of acquaintance and more extended 
observation. His simplicity of manner, his entire absence of 
affectation, his uniform courtesy, and his good nature and 



4-0 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

genial disposition made one glad to meet him if only for a 
moment. He wore well, for he was genuine and sincere, never 
striving to attract attention, never pluming himself or assuming 
airs of superiority. He was active, alert, energetic, and well 
informed. He was handicapped by the infirmity of deafness, 
yet he kept up to date in the current events of the unwritten 
as well as the written journal. His conversation when you met 
him was largely in the form of questions. He did not seem to 
have the time or disposition for long talks or the discussion of 
unimportant matters. He put direct questions and wanted 
direct and concise answers. What you could tell him about 
any matter in which he was interested he grasped quickly, gave 
you a knowing look, and went his way. He did not spend 
much time in the House during long debates. He could not 
hear, and did not seem to get much pleasure or satisfaction out 
of the most eloqueutdookiug speeches. Yet he knew what was 
going on and when a vote was to be taken, and had the habit 
of being on hand for the roll call on important questions. 

He was a practical politician of the old school, before the 
reign of civil service, when to the victor belonged the spoils, 
and he got his full share. It is said that his habit of place 
hunting continued under the new system, and with marked 
success considering the obstacles which were placed in his way 
by the law and the rules and regulations of the Civil Service 
Commission. Determination and persistency were marked 
features of his character. He did not gracefully accept 
refusals with polite explanations and apologies, and if there 
was any back door or indirect way to a little patronage for 
his constituents, he got it. 

I do not think his tireless efforts in seeking places were 
prompted by policy or selfish motives in the expectation that 
by such service he could maintain his hold on his own office. 



Address of Mr. Driscoll, of New York 41 

It is doubtful if the distribution of patronage helps in that 
direction. There are generally many candidates for the same 
place. The one who gets it considers it only his due. He may 
forget, while those who are disappointed have long memories. 
General Ketcham enjoyed helping others and doing favors. 
He was generous with his own means and had learned the 
luxury of doing good. There is a beautiful lesson in the life 
he led and lived — that men exist for one another and that this 
is a world of mutual help and sympathy. He was in harmony 
with nature and his environment, and if he were willing to 
receive he was also disposed to give to the full measure of his 
ability. His tireless industry and zeal in serving others were 
remarkable, and could not have been actuated by any sordid 
consideration. He did not play to the galleries or court spec- 
tacular notoriety; neither did he shirk an}- duty or responsi- 
bility in order to avoid criticism. He was an honest, earnest, 
resolute man, who did his duty day by da}' as he saw it and 
had an unusual faculty for accomplishing results. When the 
country was in danger and needed strong arms, stout hearts, 
and resourceful brains he responded to the call, and his rapid 
advance in the military sen-ice certified to his courage and 
patriotism. 

He occupied many and exacting positions in public life, and 
filled them all to the satisfaction of the people. His best years 
and energies were freely given to his country, and he continued 
in the sen-ice while age and infirmity were creeping on. As 
there was much of heroism in his life, so there was much of 
pathos in his death. During last summer his health was rap- 
idly failing. He was a sick man and was conscious of it, and 
he was disposed to retire, but his constituents insisted that 
he accept another nomination. His grit and resolution were 
greater than his strength. He consented to run, hut before 



42 Memorial Addresses: Joint Henry Ketcham 

election day his restless spirit took its flight. He was per- 
mitted to live out his allotted time, and then was stricken down 
in the fullness of his honors and in the high regard of all who 
knew him. 

His career is an example and inspiration to young men, for 
he illustrated what may be accomplished by honest}-, industry, 
perseverance, and common sense. He did not impress me as 
a man endowed with remarkable intellectual powers, but he 
was a well-rounded, well-balanced man, and made the most of 
his talents. He was an extraordinary man within ordinary 
limitations. 

He was a unique and interesting character, with hosts of 
friends and no enemies. He left his impress on society. The 
world was a little better and its people a little happier for his 
having lived. And in his death his party lost one of its ablest 
leaders, his State one of her most distinguished sous, his coun- 
try one of its most consistent and practical legislators, and his 
colleagues one of their best -beloved associates. 



Address of Mr. Southard, of Ohio 43 



Address of Mr. Southard, of Ohio 

Mr. Speaker: I wish to say a word as to the life, char- 
acter, and public service of the late John H. Ketcham, of 
New York. I did not have the honor or the pleasure of his 
acquaintance until what may be called the later years of 
his life. His defect in hearing at the time I first met him 
had doubtless begun to limit to a certain extent his social 
intercourse, but we happened to live at the same hotel for a 
number of years, and during all the years since I first met 
him down to the time of his death I enjoyed his friendship 
and his confidence. 

He frequently talked to me of his service in Congress, 
about his political experience, and the troubles, trials, and 
tribulations of a man in public life. What impressed me 
most in his character were his toleration and his kindness. 
When thinking of him since his death I have often recalled 
the lines of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, I think it is. I may not 
quote them exactly, but nearly enough to preserve at least 
a part of their beauty and some of the sentiment: 

So many gods, so many creeds, 
So many ways that wind and wind, 
That just the art of being kind 

Is all this old world needs. 

There are men who seem to be endowed by nature to take 
a leading part in public affairs, and General Ketcham was 
one of them. His methods were quiet and unobtrusive, but 
nevertheless effective. No one can contemplate his public 
career without being convinced that he possessed in a remark- 
able degree the qualities which make for leadership among 



44 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

men. Intelligence, determination, and energy were qualities 
which he possessed in an unusual degree. He had that rare- 
gift which enables some men to determine accurately the 
trend of affairs, and his judgment as to methods frequently 
astonished those who came in contact with him. 

He was born on a farm. He came from good old Puritan 
stock, the authentic record of his family dating back to John 
Ketcham, who lauded with the Pilgrim Fathers. 

The Hon. John H. Ketcham was born at Dover Plains, 
X. Y., December 21, 1832, and was about 74 years old at 
the time of his death. 

The first public office held by him was that of member of 
the hoard of town supervisors, to represent the town of Dover. 
This was before he had reached his majority. He was 
reelected to the office, and before his term expired and while 
still holding the office he was chosen a member of the legisla- 
ture of his State. 

In 1858, while a member of the State senate, he married 
Augusta Belden, a daughter of William H. Belden and 
Sarah A. Belden. Four children were born of this marriage — 
Augusta A., Henry B., Charles B., and Ethel B., the last 
three of whom, with his wife, survive him. 

While in the legislature, or soon after the expiration of his 
term, came the civil war, and, as was to be expected, the 
services of Mr. Kktcham were called into requisition. He 
was first appointed by Governor Morgan a member of the 
war committee for Dutchess and Columbia counties. Among 
his associates were Benson J. Eossing, afterwards noted as an 
historian, and James Emmett, then a justice of the New York 
supreme court. 

With his never-failing zeal and energy he prosecuted the 
work of the committee. The quota of the counties was soon 



Address <>/ Mr. Southard^ of Ohio 45 

filled, and the regiment known as the " One hundred and fiftieth 
New York Volunteers " was an assured fact. Mr. Ketcham 
was unanimously chosen colonel, and the departure of the regi- 
ment from the city of Poughkeepsie for the front was a notable 
event in the history of that locality. The ladies of Dutchess 
Count>' presented the colonel of the regiment with a set of 
colors, and an elaborate demonstration was made in recognition 
of the conspicuous part he had performed in the work assigned 
him. 

He was without military experience and training, but, noth- 
ing daunted, he set to work to acquire that military knowledge 
which he needed but did not possess. He succeeded in this as 
he did in other things, and by the same thorough methods. 
He was soon fighting at the front. He was with Meade at 
Gettysburg and distinguished himself in that great battle. 
He was with Sherman on the march to the sea. He was 
at different times promoted for gallantry in service until he 
acquired the rank of major-general. 

Near the close of his service he received a wound in the 
thigh which nearly cost him his life and from the effects of 
which he never fully recovered. 

Before the ending of his military service, and while still at 
the front, he was nominated and elected a Representative in 
the Thirty-ninth Congress in the year 1864. He resigned from 
the Army in March, 1865, to begin his long and useful career 
as a Member of this great body. He was reelected to the 
Fortieth, Forty-first, and Forty-second Congresses, and was 
nominated for the Forty-third Congress, but was defeated. 
This was during the famous Greeley campaign. The odds 
were against him, and by the liberal use of money, it is said, 
his defeat was accomplished, a candidate by the name <>t' 
Whitelioiisc succeeding by a small majority. This was in the 



46 Memorial Addresses: Joint Homy Ketcham 

year 1872. After his defeat for Congress he was appointed 
Commissioner of the District of Columbia, William Dennison, 
of Ohio, and Henry T. Blow, of Missouri, being the other 
Commissioners. 

The same energy, the same diligence, and the same progress- 
ive spirit characterized his work as Commissioner, but at the 
end of four years he was again elected by the people of his 
district to the Forty-fifth Congress. He was reelected to the 
Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fif- 
tieth, Fifty-first, and Fifty-second Congresses, and declined a 
unanimous nomination for the Fifty-third Congress. Different 
reasons are stated for his declining this nomination. Impaired 
health is the one usually assigned. Whatever they may have 
been they were certainly creditable to him, and for him they 
were sufficient. It is certain, however, that he did not leave 
Congress with the intention of remaining permanently out of 
it, and he was nominated by acclamation by the Republicans of 
his district as their candidate for the Fifty-fifth Congress, anil 
was again elected. 

It was at this time that my personal acquaintance with 
General Ketcham began. He had been a Member of Congress 
continuously since his election to the Fifty-fifth Congress, and 
was a candidate for the Sixtieth Congress when he died, Novem- 
ber 4, 1906, just two days before election day. 

Had he lived, he would have added another to his remark- 
able scries <>f political victories. He served in Congress sev- 
enteen full terms, or thirty-four years. He was a Commis- 
sioner of the District for four years, and he was for four 
years a member of the legislature of his ,State. He had spent 
several years in the Army, and his home town had laid claim 
to his services even before he had attained to a voting status. 
His life was one spent in the public service, and his greatest 



Address of Mr. Southard^ of Ohio 47 

delight and his greatest pride was in the faithful performance 
of his public duties. 

Few men in public life have been more highly honored, and 
few, if any, have maintained so strong a hold on a constituency. 
Whenever he manifested a willingness to serve, his nomination 
followed by acclamation. He was in this manner nominated 
for Congress at least nineteen times — unanimously, and by 
acclamation. 

It is said that he never suffered public defeat but once in 
his long career, and that was brought about by unusual and 
unfair means. It would seem that he always stood in such 
high esteem with his constituents that others were willing to 
stand aside when General Ketcham was willing to serve. 

In politics he was a Republican. He ran for office on the 
Republican ticket; but after election, and always while in 
office, and in the discharge of his duties he was the servant of 
the people. 

His honor and his integrity were never questioned either in 
private or official affairs. His business qualifications were of 
a high order, and of this world's goods he had accumulated a 
competency. 

His education was that acquired in the district school, sup- 
plemented by a year or so of academy life. 

He knew all of the hardships encountered by the boy and 
the man on the farm seventy years and more ago, and when he 
had risen to a conspicuous position in lift-, when he had accu- 
mulated property and his influence had become great he was 
not found wanting in courtesy and sympathy for others less 
fortunately situated. 

He was a brave soldier, but a most sympathetic man. He 
was the friend of the oppressed, and kindness was his religion. 

He believed in his people and they swore by him. Although 



4$ Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

his district was said to be normally Democratic, frequently he 
had no opposing candidate, and his election was almost always 
a foregone conclusion. In his home town the vote was always 
practically unanimous for John H. Ketcham. 

By his home people he was not only respected and honored — 
he was loved. Such a situation may exist or ma) - have existed 
elsewhere, but I have never known of one. 

Ik- was proud of his ancestry, but he certainly has added 
luster to his family name. Those following him can look back 
with increased pride to his achievements as a man, a soldier, 
and a statesman. 

While it may not be said that his name is conspicuously 
associated with important legislation, he was always active and 
he did his part in the enactment of laws through all the years 
he was a Member of this body, under the operation of which 
the nation has grown great and powerful. 

He was an enthusiastic advocate of the law by virtue of 
which rural free delivery has been established throughout the 
land. 

With his passing a noble character and most valuable Repre- 
sentative will disappear from the Halls of Congress; his State 
will mourn the loss of one of her most honored citizens; his 
district a public servant they admired, esteemed, and loved. 

Thousands will miss his generous smile and his helping hand, 
and all who knew him well will mourn the loss of one whose 
place it will be hard to fill. 



Address of Mr. Parsons, of New York 49 



Address of Mr. Parsons, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: It was not my privilege to know intimately 
General Ketcham. My entrance to Congress was so recent 
and his infirmities in the last year or two of his life were 
such that there was no opportunity to make use of casual 
acquaintance here to get to know him well. He was a man, 
however, whose record I knew and in whom I was intensely 
interested. I desired to learn the secret of his life and of his 
success. 

In the days of storm aud stress in our own State of New 
York, in the days when Sumter was fired on, he was a member 
of the State senate, and was one of those who made the State 
prompt to respond to the needs of the nation. He came of 
splendid stock. And he had endeared himself to the citizen- 
ship of a county peopled by men and women of splendid stock. 
I think I have found the secret of his life and of his success. 
It lay in his brotherliuess of spirit. An honored judge of our 
State, who was a member of the famous Dutchess County 
Regiment, the One hundred and fiftieth New York Yolunteers, 
which General Ketcham led to the war as colonel, said this 
of him: "Colonel Ketcham's coolness in times of danger and 
thorough knowledge of his duty saved the regiment many 
lives. His energy, perseverance, and tact secured for his men 
at all times their full share of supplies." We are told that 
wars are fought on men's stomachs, and that the science of 
war is to find how most efficiently to feed the men who are on 
the firing line. If General Ketcham looked so well after 
his men that their needs were always supplied, he rendered 
thereby a most effective service to the fighting unit of which 
his regiment was a part. But he did not do that for the reason 
II. Doc. 81 1, 59-2 4* 



50 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

that tlie science of war would apply. He did it for a noble 

reason — he did it out of the same brotherliness of spirit which 

was ever with him. When he left his regiment during the 

war to come to Congress, he said in parting : 

Be assured that day will never come which will sever the ties of friend- 
ship and affection which hind me to you. 

He faithfully kept those words, as every man, woman, and 
child in his own Dutchess County knows. He kept them not 
as a pledge, but out of that same brotherliness of spirit. 

I was one of the committee appointed to attend his funeral 
and, fortunately, was able to be present. It was a beautiful, 
crisp, clear November day. It was. moreover, the day after 
election, an election memorable in our own State and memo- 
rable in the count}' of Dutchess. But the services carried us 
from the strife of the day previous back to the more glorious 
days of war, for those who conducted the services were clergy- 
men who had been part of his regiment, and many men who 
sat around the bier were men who had had their baptism of fire 
at Gettysburg and had marched to the sea under him. Those 
of us who belong to a generation born since the civil war, and 
who have missed the intense feelings for country and fellow- 
soldier that the fire and sword of war create, find in such 
memorial services an experience that broadens and sweetens 
life. The words of love and reminiscence spoken at these 
services were not only a tribute to the departed, but doubtless 
deeply affected many of the younger generation, as they did me. 

General Ketcham was laid to rest in a cemetery which lies 
in the heart of that beautiful valley of Dutchess County, the 
valley of Tenmile River, the "beautiful hunting ground," as it 
was known to the Indians. As he was laid to rest the valley, 
enfolded by the hills, was engulfed by the setting sun with a 
golden j<low. which seemed to me to be a fitting halo for a man 
of such brotherliness of soirit. 



Address of Mr. Bennet, of New York 



Address of Mr. Bennet, of New York 

Mr. Speaker : In his seventy-fifth year, full of years and. 
honor, Gen. John H. Ketcham was gathered to his fathers. 
His splendidly successful career is a part of the glorious history 
of our State and a part also of the still more glorious history 
of our nation. My own personal acquaintance with General 
Ketcham was slight. His service here had commenced years 
before the date of my birth, and when I first met him here 
the weight of years and advancing infirmities were commenc- 
ing to interfere with his regular attendance upon the ses- 
sions of the House. But personal acquaintance with General 
Ketcham was not necessary in order to know of him. The 
way in which he served his district was and has been ever 
since I have reached years of understanding known to all in 
our State. He never had any difficulty in obtaining a renomi- 
nation and rarely in obtaining a reelection. I also was one 
of those honored by the Speaker of this House by appoint- 
ment upon the committee which represented this House at 
the funeral of General Ketcham. No one could fail to be 
impressed with that service. It was the day after a heated 
political contest, which had been as fierce in Dutchess County 
as in any other county in the State. But within a day the 
men who had been partisans on November 6 became common 
mourners at the grave of their dead friend on November 7. 
Not only were the political leaders there, but the whole 
countryside, and it was not at all out of keeping with the 
spirit of the service, which was really one of mourning, 
when one. a stranger tu all ut' 11s Representatives, I am sure, 
hut evidently a lifelong friend and neighbor, and as evidently 



52 Memorial Addresses: Joint Henry Ketcham 

an adherent of the Roman Catholic Church, came in alone, 
stood for a moment at the side of the open casket, and offered 
up a prayer of that particular church. There were places and 
times when such an occasion would have been incongruous, but 
not at the side of the casket of one who had never in his district 
raised division of party or of creed. 

As he served his district so his district remembered him 
always. In the last campaign, when all knew of his physical 
condition, when all knew that the complete service which he 
had given in the past could not be given in the future, when he 
was running on the same ticket with one of the most popular 
men who ever ran in our State, President Roosevelt, General 
Ketcham ran ahead of the Republican electors in every county 
in his district. To the last the people of that district remained 
faithful to one who had never ceased to be faithful to them. 

And so, surrounded by troops of friends, beloved by all, he 
reached the time when in the beautiful imagery of the Scrip- 
ture the grasshopper was a burden, and then the silver cord 
was loosed, the golden bowl was broken, and the pitcher broken 
at the fountain. 



Address of Mr. Cannon, of Illinois 53 



Address of Mr. Cannon, of Illinois 

Mr. Speaker: In the hurry of the closing hours of a short 
session of Congress, even if I had the ability, I have not the 
time to make preparation for addressing the House upon this 
occasion. Having been associated with the late Representative 
from New York [Mr. Ketcham] in service in the House for 
over a quarter of a century, having been during that time close 
to him personally, with the best relations from the personal 
standpoint as well as political standpoint, feeling that I knew 
the make-up of the man, his fixedness of purpose, his fidelity 
to the service, his genuine belief in the policies of the great 
party of which he was a member, I feel that it is apt for me to 
say a word touching our late colleague. 

The last time I met John Ketciia.m was when calling at his 
apartments here in the city after he had become seriously 
afflicted with the disease which terminated his life. He could 
not talk very plainly, as he had had a stroke of paralysis. He 
reached out his hand and his grasp was firm. The eye testified 
that my visit was welcome, and now and then he contributed to 
the conversation, hopeful at that time, and I have no doubt 
hopeful to the end, that his life might be further prolonged in 
order that he might give such service as he had given and 
hoped to be capable still to give to the public. 

There was no fear manifested of death during that conversa- 
tion. Full of years filled with public service, always honor- 
able and useful, he felt that he had contributed to the best of 
his ability his due share to the public service. And that feeling 
was justified. And the impression left upon my mind in that 



5 | Memorial . Iddresses; John Henry Ketcham 

interview was that, while I might never meet him again, he 
was ready when the hour came to cross over to cross without 
fear, feeling that in the limit of his best endeavor he had 
performed his duty to his constituency and to the Republic. 

"Many men of many minds" is an old saw. One like 
myself, who believes that the Government is through parties, 
welcomes party organization, both upon the part of the majority 
that may be in power from time to time and upon the part of 
the minority. Both the majority and the minority have a 
function to perform, the proper performance of which is neces- 
sary for the well-being of the Republic. John Ketcham. 
from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, believed in 
the policies of the party to which he had belonged from its 
organization, and, without turning, stood with that organiza- 
tion. It might make mistakes, as all organizations make mis- 
takes. All men make mistakes, in Congress or out of Congress. 
Perfection is alone with Deity. And without apologizing, 
without seeking to avoid the responsibility for mistakes, if, per- 
chance they were made, manfully, with courage, .Mr. Kktcham 
accepted it, never seeking to transfer a mistake from his shoul- 
ders to the shoulders of other individuals — a manly, courageous 
man that truly represented the constituency from which beheld 
his power of attorney: and we best represent the constituency 
by cooperating with other Representatives from other constitu- 
encies touching the policies that are to control the Republic. 

He will be seen no more here. Ah, when we cross over how 
soon we are forgotten! And it is well it should be so; other- 
wise this would be one vast world of mourning. But those of 
us who knew John Kktcham best will always recollect him for 
his sturdy manhood, fidelity to colleague, willingness to accept 
responsibility, performing his duty as he saw it. 



Address of Mr. Grosvenor, of Ohio 



Address of Mr. Grosvenor, of Ohio 

Mr. Speaker: When John H. Ketcham died there went 
from the shores of time to the abode of the blessed one of the 
most loyal and patriotic men of his da)'. In war he was a sol- 
dier of renown; in peace he was a citizen possessed of a grand 
character and a man of great usefulness to his home, to his 
State, and to his country. Those of his colleagues in Congress 
who did not know him until the latter terms of his service had 
very little conception of the grand character of the man. He 
had been a business man of great ability. He had been a poli- 
tician of rare capacity. He had been a soldier with a brilliant 
record in war. He had been a statesman of intelligence, wis- 
dom, and virtue. Many of us who saw him only in his years 
of practical decrepitude little understood the genius, the worth, 
the intelligence, the force of character with which he had been 
blessed in the earlier and better days of his strength and activ- 
ity. He was a loyal Republican, true as steel to the principles 
of his party, but considerate and generous to the men of other 
opinions. 

Peace to his ashes, honor to his memory. 



56 Memorial Addresses: Joint Henry Ketcham 



Address of Mr. Knapp, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: In the death of John H. Ketcham not only 
his immediate constituency, hut this House, of which he was 
an honored Member, has met with an irreparable loss. Com- 
mon is the expression, " In death we are soon forgotten.'' The 
strongest, truest, bravest among us grows weary, faints, and 
falls along life's pathway. The busy activities of life rush in 
upon us, and those who are gone are too often gone from 
memory. Not so will it be with the subject of our tributes 
of to-day. His whole career, in youth, through manhood, 
and ripe old age, illustrates that fidelity to private and 
public duty which will keep fresh and green his memory. 

It is only after life's changing struggles are over that man 
can best he judged aright. It is only after the hero has fought 
his last battle that we can realize the true meaning of his vic- 
tories. It is only after the public official has passed away that 
we tan realize the value of his life work. It is only after the 
neighbor of a lifetime has gone that we can realize the true 
meaning of his presence. 

In life we often strive for position, place, power, wealth. 
These are as fickle as the shadows. It is only the character 
which a man builds that he is privileged to transmit as a lasting 
legacy to posterity. Mr. Ketcham was strong in the character 
which he builded. 

He was not born to affluence. It was by the force of will, 
the practice of industry, the power of ability that he arose to 
honorable distinction and became almost the idol of an exacting 
constituency. He was not reared in the lap of luxury. He 



Address of Mr. Knapp, of New York 57 

knew the hardships of poverty as well as the privileges of pros- 
perity, and as he was undaunted by the one, so he was unmoved 
by the other. He was a splendid illustration of the possibilities 
of American manhood. As a young man struggling with adver- 
sity, as a citizen carving his way to honorable distinction, as a 
servant of the public, in all he invites and merits the tributes 
we pay to his memory. 

He lived and acted in a period of exceptional importance — a 
period which in industrial development, in expanding com- 
merce, in the advancement of education, in the betterment of 
civilization was more eventful than any like period of time in 
national or world's history. 

In his life work, both private and public, he measured up to 
those requisites which ever mark the true citizen and the 
worthy public official. But it is only of a few elements of his 
character that time permits us to speak. In his life work 
he was moved by honesty of purpose and the courage of con- 
victions. Honesty is a virtue in which all other virtues center. 
With it man stands erect, challenging alike respect of self and 
confidence of fellow-man. Life is full of despairs and hopes, 
defeats and victories, trials and triumphs. The man moved by 
honesty of purpose endures the one and enjoys the other, con- 
scious of his own rectitude. 

Courage is an element which helps to make the charactei 
strong. The timid man can pass an uneventful existence, leav- 
ing the world no better than he found it, and dying, be for- 
gotten. The courageous man lives to make those about him 
and the world happier and better than he found it, and, dying, 
is remembered. Honesty and courage— these are characteristics 
which, when developed, make the strong, imperious man. 

But, again, he was an intense lover of his country. His love 
was not of country, right or wrong, but of country right- Its 



58 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

institutions were of his faith, its Government of his allegiance, 
its union of his love. Moved by these convictions, when civil 
strife threatened that union he gave of his services, and for 
brave and heroic deeds on fields of battle was brevetted a major- 
general in the United States Army. And when the strife was 
over and the Union again made one, he ever recognized the 
heroism of all who participated in that struggle and fostered 
that spirit of heart-united Union which knows no North, no 
South, no East, no West, out one country, one flag, and one 
national destiny. 

In civil life he was called to various positions of trust and 
responsibility — supervisor of his town, member of the State 
assembly, State senator, and, finally, as the reward of merit, he 
was commissioned a Representative in the council of the nation. 
Elected and reelected to seventeen different Congresses, while 
not in consecutive service, he was in length of service the father 
of this House. His service in this body, covering in all a period 
of nearly thirty-four years, was equal to nearly one-half of the 
allotted span of life. Few men have attained such a record, 
and the simple statement of it emphasizes the value of his 
service and the confidence of admiring constituencies. 

To speak of the history of that thirty-four years, so charac- 
terized by events vital in their importance as they affected the 
welfare ami progress of the nation, time is not ours. Suffice it 
in say that he was ever in intelligent touch with these; ever 
watchful tor and of service to the best interests of his immedi- 
ate constituencies, regardless of position of rank or party, and 
ever enjoyed the confidence and affectionate regard of his col- 
leagues in the House of Representatives. 

Thus he blended the civil witli the military. He lived the 
civilian and the soldier, and each discharged those duties which 
merited the honors bestowed upon him. 



Address of Mr. Knapp, of New York 59 

But confined not alone to his public service is the interest 
which attached to his life and character. In the home, the 
community, and his immediate constituency his death is espe- 
cially mourned. In that community he spent the years of his 
younger manhood and all of his after life. During all of his 
years he went in and out among them. To .them his life was 
an open book, and they read it well. His genial ways, carry- 
ing sunshine wherever he went; his neighborly acts, so many 
and freely given; his deeds of kindly charity, so many and so 
unostentatiously made, all of these are as fresh to mind as if 
they were but of yesterday. He was ever loyal to the welfare 
of that community. In his death who among them lias not 
lost a friend? 

Then appropriate is it that in this Chamber, so long the 
scene of his associations and labors, we pay tribute to his mem 
ory. Statues are reared not only to perpetuate the name, but 
to commemorate the deeds of individuals; they are erected not 
only in tribute to the dead, but as inspirations to the living. 
More enduring than the bronze or granite will be the example, 
the influence, and the character of John H. Ketciiam. 



proceedings in the Senate 

Tuesday, December 4., 1906. 

Mr. Cullom. Mr. President, I ask that the resolutions of 
the House of Representatives relative to the death of the late 
Representative John H. Ketcham, of New York, ma}- be laid 
before the Senate. 

The Vice-President. The Chair lays before the Senate 
resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

In the House of Representatives, 

December j, 1906. 
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death 
of Hon. John H. Ketcham, a Representative from the State of New 
York in seventeen Congresses. 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased • Representatives whose deaths have been announced this House 
do now adjourn. 

Mr. DepEW. Mr. President, I offer the resolution I send to 
the desk. 

The Vice-President. The Senator from New York proposes 
a resolution, which will be read. 

The resolution was read, and unanimously agreed to, as 

follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the announce- 
ment of the death of Hon. John H. Ketcham, a Representative from the 
State of New York in seventeen Congresses. 

Mr. Lodge. Mr. President, I also offer another resolution. 



62 Proceedings in the Senate 

The Vice-President. The Senator from Massachusetts 

proposes an additional resolution, which will be read. 

The resolution was read, as follows: 

Resolved^ That as an additional mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased the Senate do now adjourn. 

The resolution was unanimously agreed to; and (at 2 o'clock 

and 55 minutes p. m. ) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, 

Wednesday, Decembers, 1906, at 12 o'clock meridian. 

Friday, March 1, 190J. 

Mr. Depew. I wish to give notice that on Saturday, the 2d 
instant, following the eulogies on the late Representative 
Adams, I will ask the Senate to consider resolutions commem- 
orative of the life, character, and public services of Hon. John 
Ketch am, late a representative from the State of New York. 

The Vice-President. The notice will be entered. 

Saturday, March 2, 1907. 

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the following 

message from the House of Representatives, wdiieh was read: 

In the House of Representatives, 

February 24, iaoj. 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that oppor- 
tunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. John H. Ketch am, 
late a Member of this House from the State of New York. 

Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career, the House, 
at tin- conclusion of the memorial exercises of this day, shall stand 
adjourned. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions t<> the family 
of tlie deceased. 

Mr. DEPEW. Mr. President, I offer the resolutions I send to 
the desk. 

The Vice-President. The Senator from New York submits 
resolutions, which will be read. 



Proceedings in the Senate 63 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announce- 
ment of the death of the Hon. John H. Ketcham, late a Representative 
from the State of New York. 

Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended, that fitting 
tribute may be paid to the memory of the deceased. 

The Vice-President. The question is on agreeing to the 

resolutions submitted by the Senator from New York. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 



Address of Mr. Depew, oj Nezv York 65 



MEMORIAL ADDRESS 



Address of Mr. Depew, of New York 

Mr. President: Those of us who have been here for many 
years "have experienced during this Congress and others In >\\ 
frequently death comes where there are 90 Senators and 386 
Members of the House. As a rule, the colleague who has 
departed did not have the qualities of mind or distinction in 
public life which raised him sufficiently above the average of 
his fellows for him to be distinguished beyond them all. Now 
and then there is a rare character who does possess these 
qualities and has achieved this unique success. 

I know of no one in my long acquaintance with public 
men, covering now more than half a century, who, without 
being spectacular, without calling to himself the attention of 
the whole country, yet had such a remarkable career as Gen. 
John H. Ketcham. He lived in the district adjoining the 
one in which I was born and passed most of my life, and during 
the whole of his public career he was my intimate friend. I 
knew him in his private, business, and political life. He had 
the distinction of being for thirty-four years a Member of the 
House of Representatives, a period longer than any other man 
has served since the formation of the Republic, and in the 
changing conditions, increased population, and greater compe- 
tition of our times and those which will succeed, T doubt if that 
record will ever be equaled, and I think he will always stand 
as the man who spent more years in the public service in the 
II. Doc. mi, 59-2 5* 



66 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

popular branch of our Government than any other one who 
ever served there. 

His career presents a beautiful example of American life. 
He was born in modest circumstances. He became a farmer 
in early life, upon a moderate patrimony, and proceeded at 
once, with the qualities which made his success, to impress 
himself upon his community. The advantages of education to 
him were only those of the common school and the local 
academy, but they sufficed to overcome all obstacles and to 
enable him t<> surpass all his contemporaries. 

He was a member of the local legislature of his county as 
a supervisor from his town the year he became of age. Two 
years afterwards he became a member of the lower house oi 
the legislature of the State of New York, and at 25 he was a 
State senator. He was reelected, and then came the civil 
war. 

The manner in which the volunteer regiments were raised in 
our State was that in each Congressional district three citizens 
were appointed to take charge of the recruiting. In his Con 
gressional district they were Benson J. Lossing, the distin- 
guished historian; Judge Emmett, one of the most eminent 
members of our supreme court, and this young senator. The 
work of this recruiting service devolved upon this young man, 
who had already become a familiar figure upon every farm and 
in every household in the district In three weeks the One 
hundred and fiftieth New York was raised. They were men 
of his own age, of his own period, his intimate friend--, his 
political allies and associates, and their demand was that he 
should go with them as their leader to the front, and the\ 
elected him their colonel. 

lb was a young married nun witli a little family — very 
young— yet he did not hesitate a moment. He assumed the 



Address of Mr. Depew, of New York 67 

responsibility of command of the regiment — a fanner's boj 
who knew nothing whatever of military tactics and who had 
never been connected with a military organization. Hut with 
the same persistent energy and grasp of things with which he 
had to do that made his success, he drew about him the best 
military talent available and studied night and day, and used 
the same efforts with his regiment, until when it came to the 
front it was a disciplined organization with a competent leader. 

During all the years of the civil war it was the characteristic 
of the One hundred and fiftieth New York that it was equal 
to any duty it might be called upon to perform. It was in all 
the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and afterwards in 
those of the Army of the West, and as in different battles its 
ranks were depleted they were recruited again from these same 
farmer boys of the district which its colonel had represented in 
the legislature. 

He was wounded at Gettysburg, his life despaired of, and 
from that wound he suffered during his life. But when he 
could once more move, though he had ample excuse to retire. 
he was with Sherman, at the head of the One hundred and 
fiftieth New York, and marching through Georgia to the sea. 

In 1S65 the boys, writing home from the regiment of their 
colonel, who was always caring for their comfort regardless of 
his own, whether it was in camp or on the battlefield or in the 
hospital, created a sentiment in the district that he should rep 
resent them in Congress, and he was practically unanimously 
elected. For four terms he was in the lower Ilotisi.-. covering 
eight years. 

Then came one of the most remarkable contest-, which lias 
ever occurred in our country. It was in [872. The candidacy 
of Horace Greeley had demoralized for the time the Republican 
party, which had been brought up on the New York Tribune, 



68 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

and demoralized the Democratic party which had nominated its 
most distinguished, able, and bitter opponent as its candidate 
for the Presidency. The Democratic party then undertook to 
defeat Colonel, Brigadier-General, Major-General, and Con- 
gressman Ketcham. They selected a millionaire opponent, 
and the contest developed election methods to an extent never 
before or since known. 

In those days we had no civil-service and no corrupt-prac- 
tices acts. In those days when the court met and the judge 
charged the grand jury on the statutory clauses, among which 
was bribery at the polls, it received no other attention than a 
smile in the court room. In this contest, which attracted the 
attention of the country, and especially of our State, General 
Ketcham was defeated by a few hundred votes. But it was 
known and admitted that the contest had cost the successful 
candidate more than a quarter of a million dollars, and when 
the grand jury met again and the judge solemnly charged, no 
smile was seen in the court among the grand jury, the petit 
jurymen, the litigants, the lawyers, or the witnesses, because 
all knew the facts, and many of them were disgracefully con- 
nected with fhem. 

No investigation followed and no action was taken, and no 
public interest in the matter shown. We hear much in praise 
of the good old times and regrets that they can not return, but 
such a canvass and election would be impossible now in our 
.State or any other. 

General Grant knew and appreciated General Ketcham as a 
soldier, and came, during the General's eight years in Congress, 
to recognize his talents for affairs, and instantly called upon 
him to serve the Government in the new organization of the 
District of Columbia, appointing him on the commission with 
Governor Dennison, of Ohio, and Henry T. Blow, of Missouri, 



Address of Mr. Depew, of New York 69 

two eminent executive officers. The General made a deep and 
profound study of the capital problem. He became familiar 
with the plan of that remarkable genius, I/Enfant, who was 
selected by General Washington to lay out this city, then a city 
of magnificent distances, so well described by that phrase. 

During his three years as Commissioner he energetically 
advanced the plans since carried out and expanded which have 
made Washington remarkable, and in the full development of 
which this city will become the most beautiful capital in the 
world. 

But after three years without its old Representative his dis- 
trict found it did not have the same distinction and service as 
with General Kktcham, and it again called on him to represent 
its people in the House of Representatives. The second time 
he was a Member for sixteen years, eight times consecutively 
reelected, generally without any opposition, though it was one 
of the most doubtful districts in our State, and often Demo- 
cratic. But frequently he would be unopposed in order that 
his forceful genius and efforts might not prevail in the local 
campaign. 

At the end of sixteen years his health failed, and he retired 
for three years, but the district again demanded him. It would 
have no one else. He was unanimously called upon and 
remained in Congress for eight years more, until his death. 

One of the most pathetic and beautiful tributes which can be 
paid to a man was that which crowned his life. It was known 
that he was in desperate health; it was known that he was 
paralyzed; that he could perforin little or no service for his 
district or the country, and yet the convention of his party 
unanimously nominated him, and it was understood that there 
would be no opposition; but unhappily he died ten days before 
election. 



jc Memorial Addresses: John Henry Ketcham 

Mr. President, here is the life of a man who was fifty-one 
years in the public service,- who was thirty-four years in Con- 
gress, who served with distinction in the legislature of his 
State, who won approbation as a Commissioner of this capital 
District of the country, and who as a soldier received the com- 
mendation of his brigade and division commanders for distin- 
guished services in the field, and who left the Army a major- 
general. 

Now, what were the peculiarities, what were the character- 
istics, which made this very remarkable career? He served in 
Congress under the leadership of Thaddeus Stevens, James G. 
Blaine, James A. Garfield. William McKinley, David B. Hen- 
derson, and Joseph G. Cannon; and while the Record might 
display little of what he did, he was a most valuable assistant 
to each one of them. He was in Congress with every Presi- 
dent from Lincoln to Roosevelt, and while occupying but little 
space in the public press he was constantly invited to the White 
House for his assistance and advice. 

It was known that while orators might speak and leaders 
might direct, there was no Member of Congress in Ketcham's 
time who could accomplish so much for the success of any 
measure or the defeat of any bill which was before the House. 
If he could have written his reminiscences and autobiography, 
giving the unwritten story of party measures and policies and 
the secret of success and of failure of leaders during his long 
term, what a valuable contribution it would have been to our 
political history. 

In New York, which probably more than any other State in 
ihi Union has been for a century in both parties subject to 
dominant leadership, he was always a stalwart. He was in 
office when the famous partnership of Seward. Weed, and 
Greelev was dramatically dissolved, and continued during 



Address of Mr. Depew, of New York 71 

Greeley's temporary leadership and the control of Thurlow 
Weed. He was in office when Conkling and Fenton had their 
bitter fight, first Fenton in command and then the autocratic 
domination of Conkling, and so on down to the time of his 
death. He never shifted from one side to the other as leaders 
changed. His own side might be in a minority in the State 
organization, but his hold upon his own district, from the affec- 
tion which the people had for him, was such that the State 
organization could never wrest from his hands the organization 
of his Congressional district. 

He was a politician of the old school. He believed in 
machines. He believed in patronage. He believed in getting 
all that was possible of positions for his friends. I do not 
think any man who lived in his time, or any twenty, had so 
many men in office as General Ketcham. He had an in- 
stinctive knowledge when there was a vacancy in any Depart- 
ment of the Government, and he had a man ready to fill it and 
generally got him in. The President or a Cabinet minister or 
the bureau head knew perfectly well when General Ketcham 
came in that the desired position had to be surrendered before 
the General retired. He did not confine his activities to polit- 
ical appointments in taking care of his friends. There was 
scarcely a firm or corporation in the State with a large force 
of employees which was not subject to his activities. The New 
York Central Railroad had the Hudson River division running 
on one side of his district and the Harlem division on the 
other, and during the period of nearly twenty years while I 
was its executive officer if a vacancy occurred in his district 
General Ketcham knew it before I did — before it was reported 
to the president — and he was in my office with a candidate tor 
the place, and usually secured it. 

I will say in this connection that his selection- wen- always 



72 Memorial Addresses: John Henry Kelcham 

men fitted for the duties. There was no distinction with him 
as tn politics in securing positions. If the candidate was a 
young man whom he believed deserving or a middle-aged man 
with whom fortune, for no fault of his own, had somehow gone 
wrong, he would do for him what he could. Fathers -were suc- 
ceeded by sous grateful to this old general who had either 
given them in youth a lift in life or saved the family in hard 
luck from distress. 

He had an utter contempt for the holier-than-thou -patriot. 
He had an inexpressible and infinite loathing for the man who 
believed that he was lifted as he tore down reputations. 

Now. then, what constituted his enormous success? How did 
lie remain fifty-one years in public life? How did he rise to 
be a major-general in the hot battles of the civil war? Why 
was it he could never be defeated, except in that one extraordi- 
nary canvass against him, in his own district? Why was lie- 
as fortunate in business as in politics? Because under all 
circumstances and at all times he was a man of such wise 
judgment and good sense that he knew a situation before 
other people ; because of tireless industry, which was spurred 
to greater effort by failure and often won victory from defeat. 

He never made a speech, and yet he was more successful 
than threat orators. He never wrote a magazine article or a 
contribution for the newspapers, and yet he had more influence 
with the public opinion of his district than all orators or editors 
or magazine writers. 

Mr. President, this farmer, legislator. Senator, Congressman, 
soldier had ideals. He had ideals about his home, and it 
was a beautiful one, with wife and children. He had ideals 
about the public service, and he did his full part in the great 
measures which for the last fifty years have been before the 
Congress of the United States. He had his ideals as a soldier, 



Address of Mr. Depew, of New York 73 

and he met the commendation of those great soldiers whose 
names will be forever connected with the most glorious part of 
the history of our country. He had ideals of public life — that 
he should be true to his country, his friends, and his own 
manhood and independence. 

So Gen. John H. Ketcham lived and died. For fifty years 
he was in the open and before the public. Important investi- 
gations were held while he was upon the platform, but he was 
never brought in. Great scandals smirched both Houses of 
Congress while he was in office, but he was never touched. 
Continually on the platform and in the public eye, "his record 
was always honorable, and he had the highest consideration of 
his associates, his friends, and his enemies. 

I know of no example of a man so inconspicuous and yet so 
great which furnishes such a noble lesson of the possibilities of 
American citizenship to the youth of our country as that of 
Gen. Johx H. Ketch. \.m. 

o 



